LAUSANNE, Switzerland – Global sports sponsorship is set to achieve $44 billion in 2017 with strong growth projected to continue in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region as well as other parts of the world, including Europe and the USA. On top of this, the global spending powerof Millennials is $2.5 trillion annually with 95% saying they will switch to a brand with a good cause.[1]

Influencer marketing, social responsibility, social activism, data rights, virtual reality, live streaming channels, brand purpose and brand co-creation, as well as attracting millennials who no longer watch television or visit websites – are some of the biggest challenges facing organisations today involved in the business of sport.

Activations
on and off the field of play, content engagement, connected experiences and
much more, will all be addressed at SportAccord Convention 2018, the only
global sports gathering attended by every international sports federation as
well as many of the key stakeholders in sport.

Set to take place from 15 – 20 April 2018 at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre, Thailand, the plenary conference will focus on the theme: Uniting a Global Audience – Marketing and Sponsorship for the Future. As part of the full conference programme, additional conference streams - CityAccord, MediaAccord, LawAccord and HealthAccord, will also examine the challenges that lie ahead when it comes to sponsorship and marketing.

As
a result, SportAccord Convention registrations have soared (compared to this
time last year), and record numbers of international sports federations have
committed to exhibition booths. Many partners are re-signing having experienced
the intrinsic value the Convention brings, while Malaysia Major Events has moved up a tier (to Gold).

Other
partners to re-sign include Sport Event
Denmark, (Gold Partner and Co-Host of last year’s Convention in Aarhus,
Denmark)
and DB Schenker (Delivery Partner), both
of whom have been closely involved with the Convention since its inception in
2003, and Host City has become a
Delivery Partner for the first time. Silver Partners Edmonton Events and Event
Scotland, and Bronze Partners FIBA
and Visit Victoria, as well as many media
partners, have already confirmed their commitment to return and will be in
Bangkok.

Not wanting to miss out, newcomers from the APAC region such as MI Associates will experience the world sport and business summit for the first time. Other organisations are taking advantage of their global presence to send C-level teams from Asia-Pacific such as Lagardère Sports Australia, while Great Big Events is bringing its largest delegation to date from both Australia and the United Kingdom.

Regarded
as the sports business hub for collaboration and discovery, Greg Bowman,
Managing and Creative Director commented:

“Great Big Events has been attending SportAccord Convention since its inaugural event in 2003. Our team is very excited to be involved once again, as we always find it a great event for discussing innovation and progress in sport and discovering ways to continue to push our industry forward into new and exciting territory.”

With so much
to address and so many opportunities to be gained from taking part in one of
the most important summits in 2018, organisations are encouraged to register and take part in the SportAccord
Convention. Currently priced at CHF 2,000 and due to
rise by CHF 500 on 6 November 2017, a delegate pass provides access to the most
exclusive network of key decision-makers, stakeholders and experts in the world
of sport.

Delegates have access to the full conference programme, 3-day exhibition, the Thai Pavilion, and numerous networking opportunities, including social events, the Opening Ceremony and Closing Event, luncheons, evening cocktails, the After Hours Bar, and much more. Follow developments and updates via Twitter @saconvention using #SAC2018, as well as LinkedIn and Facebook.

SportAccord Convention is the world’s premier and most exclusive annual event at the service of sport. Held in a different city each year, the Convention takes place over six days and is focused on driving positive change internationally and
dedicated to engaging and connecting; international sports federations, rights
holders, organising committees, cities, press and media, and organisations
involved in the business of sport.

The SportAccord Convention is a not-for-profit organisation which
annually brings together representatives from more than 100 International
Sports Federations affiliated with the following umbrella organisations that
host their Annual General Assemblies at the SportAccord Convention.

Great
Big Events was established in 1995 and quickly became recognised and
respected for our world leadership in Sport Presentation, as well as the
production of major cultural and entertainment events, Opening Ceremonies and
Spectaculars.

Great Big Events’ philosophy centres around offering fans a live event experience like no other. The moment the crowd steps into one of our events, they become part of the experience. Whether they engage through social media, sing along to the national anthem, cheer as their favourite athlete enters the field or simply become part of the silence as the anticipation builds prior to the start of competition, each fan is a vital part of the whole experience – not simply a spectator to the action unfolding in front of them.